Dee Gordon Tests Positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs

Miami Marlins’ second baseman Dee Gordon has been suspended for 80 games, effective immediately, without pay. It was announced after the Marlins 5-3 win on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers that Gordon tested positive for two performance enhancing substances, exogenous Testosterone and Clostebol. Both substances are banned under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

These two drugs are commonly used in tandem. Exogenous Testosterone is synthetically produced and raises testosterone levels to unnatural levels and helps build muscle and support rapid recovery. Clostebol is a synthetic anabolic steroid that is rather mild, but is a relatively safe drug. It is commonly used with other compounds, such as testosterone, to help lean muscle gains and increase recovery time.

Gordon, 28, had a career year in his first season with Miami in 2015. He led the league in hits (205), stolen bases (58) and won the batting title hitting .333. He won the gold glove and silver slugger as a second baseman and made his 2nd all star team. His combination of bat control and speed was perfect for the leadoff position and he was on his way to becoming one of the best all-around second baseman in the majors.

Gordon signed a 5-year, $50 million contract extension in the offseason to stay in Miami and was expected to be one of the building blocks along with Giancarlo Staton, Christian Yelich and Jose Fernandez to help bring another World Series title to Miami.

The suspension is a huge blow to the Marlins, who were finally playing some good baseball and finished off a 4 game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They had won 5 in a row on their west coast road trip and were heading to Milwaukee, before returning home for a 9 game homestead.

What’s Next for Miami?

Replacing the speedy Gordon will be tough, as no one has the speed, bat control and golden glove defense that Gordon provides. The Marlins could move Martin Prado over from third base and hope Chris Johnson can get hot. Miguel Rojas is also on the roster and can play second, but he is not known for his ability at the plate. No matter what the Marlins do at second base, losing Gordon for half of the season is a devastating blow that will be tough to overcome.

Gordon should be back in July, but questions about his performance enhancing drug use will persist and his play will be greatly scrutinized. There will be a lot of pressure on Gordon to return to his all star form.